When to book your trip

Witness the Changing of the Guard in royal London

A cosmopolitan city, London is an epicenter of global finance and politics where cultures intertwine, neighborhoods hold secrets whispered through time, and famous events like London Fashion Week take place on an annual basis. The metropolitan area draws millions of visitors each year to attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, which features the 16-story clock tower Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Set on the banks of the River Thames, London offers a fantastic mix of history, food, shopping and museums. The pageantry of the Changing of the Guard and Trooping the Colour create spectacles adored by all, while modern marvels include one of the world's biggest observation wheels.

Things to see and do

Cultural attractions

Exhibits at institutions such as the Royal Museum, the National Gallery, and the Imperial War Museum provide insightful perspectives of the country. From the First World War Galleries to the history of “Jack the Ripper”, and artworks dating back to medieval times, enjoy a window on the past by visiting any of these attractions.

City buildings that have stood for hundreds of years include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Royal Albert Hall where you can catch a concert in the evenings. The Tower of London is guarded by the legendary Beefeaters, while inside the diamond-studded Crown Jewels glitter for guests throughout the day.

Stroll along historic footpaths in colorful Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, or enjoy a spectacular bird's-eye view of the city from atop the London Eye.

London' districts are attractions in their own right, and if you take a trip through the East End you will discover the setting for numerous films and television shows. View the ancient street layout and medieval churches in The City, the earliest Roman settlement, or visit Greenwich, home of the Prime Meridian. The Leicester Square neighborhood houses famous Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, and city tours are a great way to scale the geography of sprawling London.

Shopping and dining

Power shoppers will discover the haute couture boutiques and trendy designer stores of Knightsbridge, Bond Street and Covent Garden, as well as Oxford and Regent Streets. In addition to high-end clothes, you can also find vintage apparel in quirky local establishments.

Once known for its ubiquitous fish and chips, bangers and mash, and even eels, London has since emerged as a center of gastronomic delights. This melting pot of cultures creates a restaurant scene that thrives on fusion and international cuisine. Foodies can enjoy high tea and Anglo-Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala, Turkish kebabs and Mexican-style burritos.

Nightlife and entertainment

When the sun sets after a day of sightseeing, guests can visit local pubs and live music venues featuring internationally-acclaimed DJs and bands. Tracing its origins to Shakespeare, London's West End Theatre district presents musicals and plays starring famous actors from screen and stage. You can also enjoy performances in the Opera House, where the Royal Symphony, Opera and Ballet companies are showcased.

This English capital hosts a series of yearly celebrations that include Wimbledon and other major sporting events, the Notting Hill Carnival, the Lord Mayor's Show and the Totally Thames Festival.

Best time to visit

Spring is one of the best times to visit London. In addition to mild temperatures, the city's parks and gardens begin to bloom. Humidity levels tend to be higher in the summer months, but those looking to sample strawberries and cream, or Pimm’s at the tennis should book a stay in late June or early July.

Travel and hotels are more likely to be reasonably priced and readily available in the fall and winter monthsalthough visitors should be aware that London is popular for Christmas gift shopping in December.

Where to stay

From Bayswater and Paddington to Knightsbridge, the West End and Camden, the neighborhood where you choose to vacation in London will depend very much upon what you want to do on your trip. Historic hotels like Flemings Mayfairthe second oldest in the capitalhave a Georgian flair that harks back to the days when carriages rolled through the streets while contemporary accommodations include the K West and the Apex. Prices range quite dramatically, so it's best to search around online before you go.

Travel information

Visitors can reach London through one of six airports, including Gatwick (LGW), Heathrow (LHR) and Stansted (STN). Traveling between these aviation gateways and London's major attractions is easy due to the city's comprehensive public transportation network. Options include the iconic red double-decker buses, Docklands Light Railway and the Underground, as well as Thames River commuter boats and pleasure cruises. Consider using an Oyster Card, a contactless smartcard, instead of individual paper tickets, to save time and money. Another option for traveling within the English city is taking one of London's world-famous black cabs.

Featured London Hotels

Not many London hotels can claim a place in literary history. But The Kingsley certainly can. Named after Charles Kingsley, author of the classics Westward Ho! and The Water Babies, it was once... More

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Lovely Hotel

Just back from a lovely 3 night stay and couldn't fault the hotel at all. The staff were really friendly and helpful, food was excellent and is well placed to walk to most of the sights.

A haven of tranquility in the heart of London's Theater DistrictPampered tranquility in the heart of the city is the essence of the Cavendish London, whose contemporary rooms offer some of London's... More

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Fantastic hotel

Fantastic hotel in an unbeatable location. The front desk staff were especially friendly and attentive. We will definitely be back.

Timeless elegance near Trafalgar SquareAmba Hotel Charing Cross is a modern boutique offering convenient distance to The Strand and Trafalgar Square. This deluxe hotel offers elegant accommodations... More

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Perfect Central Location

I could not be more pleased with my stay at the Amba Hotel. It is a stone's throw from Trafalgar Square, and especially for someone new to London, made for an exciting stay that was alot of fun....

Following a multi-million pound refurbishment, The Grosvenor Hotel has been restored to its former glory, revealing stunning original features that date back to 1862. A Listed building, it retains... More

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Business Trip

This is a very posh hotel right next to Victoria Station. It was super convenient to travel anywhere from here. The room was small but very very clean. Almost felt like a 5* for the price of a 4*

Fully serviced apartments for up to six people near Trafalgar SquareThe Citadines London Trafalgar Square "Apart'hotel" is just steps away from Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. It offers 187... More

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Avoid at all costs

This hotel seems ok and the other reviews may make it sound good, but beware. The wifi won't work, there is zero hot water, there is mold in the bathrooms...and that is just what I have noticed in...

Personalized service, chic design in an indulgent West End oasisLuxury meets practical in this stylish West End hotel that's both affordable and full-featured. Lavishly designed rooms are equipped... More

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Perfect location

The location of this hotel is ideal. There are a number of good restaurants nearby and it is also very close to high street shops. The hotel is small and staff are friendly.

City Break

Fine dining, modern styling, and in the heart of theaterlandThe Strand Palace Hotel London is ideally located within walking distance of many of London's major tourist attractions. Guests visiting... More

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Brilliant two night stay in the capital

The hotel was great. Fabulous location, really friendly and helpful staff, clean room comfortable two nights.
Room was quite small, but ok since we didn't spend long in it. My main disappointment?...

The Tower Hotel is unique. Part of the Guoman collection of 4 and 5 star London hotels. It is located on the north bank of the River Thames and it boasts unrivalled views of Tower Bridge, Tower of... More

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Great experience

Arrived at 11.40pm to check -in and was shattered after business meeting. Very professional staff made me feel very at home. The view from the room was spectacular. Will definitely book here for a...

Elegant Convent Garden hotel with dining and business facilitiesThe Bloomsbury Hotel is the perfect central location for a real London experience. This hotel was recently restored to its original... More

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Great location, comfortable stay

My partner and I stayed three nights at the Bloomsbury Hotel in December 2014. We were immediately greeted with an offer of mulled wine while we checked in (good start). Staff were friendly and...

Whether you have missed the last train home, heading on a business trip to Europe or spending a night in the capital for business or pleasure, Tune Hotel Kings Cross is the ideal base. The hotel... More

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Value for money. Recommend.

Staff were friendly throughout our stay. The hairdryer in our room was broken but staff was able to lend us another one. Room is clean and close to few convenience stores. Highly recommended.

This is an amazing hotel, located in the centre of London, just a few minutes walk to Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Theatre Land. It is walking distance to Oxford Street, Covent Garden... More

Thistle Trafalgar Square - The Royal Trafalgar, is located on a quiet street just off the lively Leicester Square, next to the National Portrait Gallery. Situated in the middle of the West End and... More

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Kevin

Nice place. Nice hotel room. Very convenient location. I would stay here again. It's very conveniently located for public transportation

A delightful hotel experience in the heart of LondonLocated near Regent's Park, Melia White House offers deluxe London accommodations for both business and pleasure travelers. The hotel has nine... More

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Funeral

Good location near underground, shopping, sights, Park, Zoo, parking available nearby as well as on street.

* Prices reflect the lowest "base rate" found over the next 30 days. Rates are subject to change and may not include taxes and fees, hotel service charges, extra person charges, or incidentals, such as room service. All rates are displayed in USD unless otherwise noted. Converted rates are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.